Become a Machinist with the California Air National Guard
Are you a master of the machine shop with a drive to serve? The California Air National Guard is currently seeking a precision-focused Machinist to support the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Field. This role is essential to the readiness of our aviation assets and offers a unique blend of technical trade craft and military service.
Job Responsibilities
As a Machinist (WG-3414-11), your primary duties involve the manufacturing and repair of aircraft parts and specialized mission tools. Key responsibilities include:
- Operating conventional and CNC machine tools.
- Interpreting complex technical drawings, even those with missing or ambiguous information.
- Performing precise metal fabrication and welding.
- Calculating complex dimensions using advanced trigonometry and shop mathematics.
- Maintaining tools and equipment in the Aircraft Metals Technology shop.
Skills Comparison
| Skill Set | Conventional Machining | CNC Machining |
|---|---|---|
| Control | Manual Handwheels | Computer Programming |
| Precision | Operator Dependent | High/Repeatable |
| Complexity | Simple/Moderate | High/Compound Angles |
Requirements
This position requires more than just technical skill; it requires active military participation. You must:
- Maintain membership in the California National Guard.
- Hold a military grade between E-3 and E-6.
- Be eligible for a Secret security clearance.
- Possess at least 18 months of demonstrated machining experience.
Salary and Benefits
The salary for this position is highly competitive, ranging from $48.33 to $56.38 per hour. Employees benefit from being part of a stable, mission-focused environment that values technical expertise and professional development.
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is concise—no more than two pages. Explicitly state the hours you worked per week and the exact dates of employment for every entry. Double-check your application for accuracy before submission, as no changes can be made once the closing date passes.
This role is an ideal career move for skilled machinists who want to apply their trade to high-stakes aviation maintenance. If you are ready to serve with the California Air National Guard, apply before the deadline to be considered.
Why This Machinist Job Matters
Join the California National Guard as a Machinist and keep our fleet flying. Your precision craftsmanship ensures mission success for the 129th Rescue Wing.
Machinist Job Overview
The California Air National Guard is seeking a skilled Machinist to join the 129th Rescue Wing at Moffett Field. In this vital role, you will be embedded within the Aircraft Metals Technology Shop, performing complex machining and welding operations to maintain critical aircraft components and specialized mission equipment. This T32 excepted service, indefinite position offers a unique opportunity to combine your technical trade skills with military service, supporting a team dedicated to emergency response and national security.
Requirements for Machinist
- Must be a current member of the California National Guard or willing to join a compatible unit.
- Must hold the required military grade (E-3 through E-6).
- Must be able to wear the official military uniform and adhere to grooming standards.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Minimum of 18 months of experience performing conventional or CNC machining operations.
- Ability to read and interpret complex blueprints and technical drawings.
- Proficiency in advanced shop mathematics, including trigonometry and geometric formulas.
Preferred Qualifications for Machinist
- Experience in programming CNC machine tools.
- Demonstrated ability to fabricate parts from blueprints with missing or incomplete data.
- Experience in welding and metal fabrication for aviation applications.
- Technical certification or formal training in machining technology.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive hourly compensation.
- ✓Support for national and state emergency response missions.
- ✓Opportunity to serve in a highly technical and mission-critical environment.
- ✓Access to military facilities and organizational support.
💡 How to Apply Machinist Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Machinist Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages and details hours worked per week and specific duties.
- Contact a California National Guard recruiter if you are not currently a member to verify compatibility.
- Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire through the USAJOBS portal.
- Upload all required supporting documentation, including proof of military grade.
- Submit your package before the 11:59 PM EST deadline on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; anything longer will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates (month/year) and hours worked per week for every job listed.
- Be honest in your assessment questionnaire; HR will verify your claims against your resume and supporting documents.
- Monitor your email for status updates, as this is the primary method of communication for the HRO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is membership in the California National Guard mandatory?
Yes. This is an excepted service position requiring you to be a member of the California National Guard in a unit compatible with your assigned military grade.
Can I apply if I am not currently in the California National Guard?
Yes, but you must be prepared to join a compatible unit of the California Air National Guard prior to final federal appointment.
What happens after the application deadline?
HR will evaluate your documentation for eligibility and qualifications. If you are among the top candidates, your file will be referred to the selecting official for potential interview.
What is a T32 Excepted Indefinite position?
*A: This refers to a specific federal appointment type tied to your status as a National Guard member. While indefinite, there is potential for conversion to permanent status based on funding and availability.*
Do I need to be a California resident?
*A: You must be a member of the California National Guard, which requires specific residency or transfer criteria handled through the recruiter.*
Job from Air National Guard Units
The California Military Department is dedicated to serving the state and nation through rapid response to floods, fires, and other emergencies. We pride ourselves on an organization that puts "people first," emphasizing accountability, integrity, and decisive action. By joining our team, you contribute to a legacy of service that spans across our soldiers, airmen, and their families.